UK Pensioners Urged to Opt Out of Winter Fuel Payment by Sept 15

UK pensioners have until September 15 to opt out of Winter Fuel Payments worth up to £300 if their annual income exceeds £35,000. HMRC will automatically recover payments through PAYE or self-assessment for higher earners, with income assessed individually per household. Those wishing to opt out can do so via GOV.UK or by contacting the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

Payments are automatically issued to those receiving qualifying benefits during the September 15-21 eligibility week. Others must claim by post from September 15 or phone from October 15. Households with someone over 80 receive £300, while others get £200, excluding those in long-term hospital care, prison, or care homes claiming certain benefits.

Scotland has introduced a new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead, while the rest of the UK maintains the original system. Katherine Ford of ICAEW warns that payments received by ineligible earners will be recovered through 2026/2027 tax codes or added to 2025/2026 self-assessment returns.

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